As the weather changes, it’s only natural to crave more activities that leave you warm and cozy. Hygge is a Norwegian and Danish term used to describe a mood of coziness, along with feelings of wellness and contentment. From snow sports and spas to latte art and heated patios, our Minneapolis Northwest team went in search of all things warm and comfy to get you in the hygge spirit!
Find Bliss
Start your hygge adventure by finding your inner and outer bliss with a massage, facial, body wrap, or nail treatment at The Woodhouse Day Spa. Achieve ultimate relaxation with The Woodhouse Experience — a full day of rejuvenation including an aromatherapy bath, massage, facial, hand treatment and pedicure. Enjoy your services, worry-free, as the spa is protected by MicroShield 360™, an antimicrobial coating system that protects treated areas from germs, bacteria, pathogens, and mold. Also, make an appointment at Face Foundrié in Maple Grove, the newest facial bar in the area with customizable beauty experiences. You'll feel completely refreshed and relaxed after your visit! And enjoy a “Day of Serenity” at Taj Salon & Spa with a facial, massage, manicure and pedicure, shampoo and style, and make-up application.
Lattes and Lazy Days
Nothing says cozy like curling up in your favorite chair or favorite spot on the couch and sipping a latte from Daily Dose Maple Grove or Daily Dose Brooklyn Park. Choose from unique seasonal flavors like the Peanut Butter Cookie Latte, Honey Lavender Latte or Pumpkin Spice Latte. All the lattes pair well with the yummy selection of muffins, scones and biscotti.
Pick up piping hot coffee and authentic French croissants in nearly every flavor you can imagine at Mi-Sant Banh Mi, from almond and apple to coconut and strawberry cream cheese! For a truly Hygge-style treat, stop by the Krown Bakery & Eatery and choose from many Scandinavian treats from sweet cardamom bread to delicate cakes and cookies, turnovers, danishes and much more. While you’re indulging, you could also grab an “as big as your head” Texas Donut at Han’s Bakery, a local favorite since 1973!
Winter Patio Season
Another great way to embrace the hygge spirit is to bundle up under a blanket at one of the heated patios in Minneapolis Northwest. Check out the Bear Den - the newly tented patio at OMNI Brewing Co., complete with heaters, lights and physically distanced seating. Bring a blanket and snuggle in with a Lake Day Pale Ale or the Daily Dose Coffee Cream Ale. Make a reservation today!
Redstone Grill now offers cozy patio dining. The restaurant has plenty of heaters and lots of delicious food to keep you warm from head to toe. How about some warm and gooey cheese fondue?! The Lookout Bar & Grill is also open for patio fun with its roaring fire pits and powerful heaters. Check their Facebook page for specific patio hours.
Active Adventures
For a little more adventure, put on your coziest sweater and scarf, and take your excursion outside to enjoy the beauty of winter with a plethora of winter recreation opportunities that will keep you warm. Elm Creek Park Reserve is a one-stop shop for cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and more. Experience the thrill of tubing or take in the refreshing views and tranquility of the woods as you ride a fat bike. For a very peaceful and unique adventure, we recommend cross-country skiing along the night lit trails. Elm Creek makes its own snow, so even if there isn't much white on the ground, the cross-country trails are still open.
Continue the active festivities with ice skating at one of the few ice-skating trails in the country at the Central Park Ice Skating Loop in Maple Grove. The loop is actually a trail with 800 feet of spectacular ice skating (one lap around a hockey rink is only 570 feet).
When you think of winter sports, you probably don’t think of golf, but you can enjoy golf year-round in Minneapolis Northwest! Topgolf in Brooklyn Center features climate-controlled bays with multiple heaters in each bay, so you can tee off no matter the temperature. This high-tech all-season golf center tracks each ball with a microchip hidden inside, as you try to hit one of the glowing targets. You'll be warm and cozy while still enjoying the fresh air.
Rustic Shopping
What's a cozy weekend adventure without some shopping? Pick up some hygge goodies, like hand-made Minnesota-themed gifts at the comfy shop The Woods. Breathe in the comforting smells of bonfires, fall harvest, apple cider, pine trees, and more in its wide selection of WoodWick Candles. Pick up gourmet baking mixes and cozy soup mixes, among other Minnesota-made gifts and unique home accessories.
Nothing says cozy more than knitting or crocheting a soft and warm scarf, shawl, hat or mittens. Pick up all the materials you need at Amazing Threads, offering the widest selection of yarns in the Midwest. Check back for a list of classes offered, perfect if you're just getting started knitting or crocheting, or if you have a specific project in mind.
Combine Minnesota nice with the latest trends in home decor and kitchen gadgets and you’ve got GoodThings. The store is known for its quirky and one-of-a-kind gifts with a certain Midwestern flair. You can pick up a humorous gift for that goofy friend, get a practical kitchen gadget for the more serious friend, and pick up some warm home décor while you’re at it – all in one place!
Comfort Foods
If a trip down memory lane is your cup of tea, pick up homey and delicious classics like Grandma’s Meatloaf, turkey dinner, and homemade chicken pot pie at 50’s Grill. Top off this classic experience with homemade pie, and hand-crafted shakes and malts. Enjoy nostalgia and some of the best burgers in town at Wagner’s Drive-In. This community favorite for more than 35 years is one of the few traditional drive-ins left, open year-round and serving up American favorites like corn dogs, chicken tenders, fries, onion rings, root beer floats and much more.
Looking for the best mac n' cheese to warm you up? Order from Angelea's Soul Food in Brooklyn Park. Everything is made from scratch and made with love. They also serve jerk chicken, ribs, yams, cabbage and cornbread muffins.
Let us know what your favorite hygge activities are by commenting on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages with the hashtag #WeLoveMNW. You may even be featured on our website!
